Mesothelioma mainly develops as a result of asbestos exposure, and many veterans in all branches of service, including the military, especially in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, were unfortunately heavily exposed to asbestos. If you are a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may qualify for monthly tax-free benefits and no-cost healthcare. Here is a step-by-step guide to filing a claim and securing the benefits you deserve.
Eligibility Criteria for Benefits
To receive mesothelioma-related United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, you must meet specific requirements, including the following:
- Exposure History: Provide proof of asbestos exposure during your military service. This could include a written exposure summary and evidence showing at least 50% of your lifetime asbestos exposure occurred in the military.
- Medical Diagnosis: Have medical records from a doctor confirming you have mesothelioma.
- Veteran Status: Demonstrate that you were honorably discharged
Before starting your application, you must find out if you are eligible to file a veterans’ mesothelioma claim.
Step-By-Step Guide to Filing a Claim
Below are the steps to follow when filing a veteran’s mesothelioma claim:
Step 1: Confirm Your Diagnosis
Before beginning the claims process, you must have a formal mesothelioma diagnosis from a qualified medical professional, as this diagnosis is the foundation for your claim.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Type of Claim
The next step is identifying and selecting the relevant claim to your situation. This may be one of the following:
- VA Disability Compensation
- VA Pension
- Aid and Attendance
- VA Health Care
- Housebound Benefits
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Survivors Pension
- CHAMPVA Health Insurance
Step 3: File Your VA Claim
After identifying the relevant claim, you now need to file it by completing VA Form 21-526EZ or the appropriate form for your claim. You can file online via the VA’s website, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. The process of filing a veteran’s mesothelioma claim can be confusing. It is best to consult an attorney specializing in VA claims to ensure you do not have to file the claim again.
Step 4: Explore Additional Legal Options
In addition to VA benefits, you may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds or lawsuits against manufacturers that supplied asbestos to the military. These claims can provide supplemental financial relief.
Step 5: Track Your Claim and Prepare for Appeals
You can track the progress of your claim, as sometimes the VA may request additional documentation. If your veteran’s mesothelioma claim is denied, do not panic. Many denials are usually due to incomplete forms or missing documents, which can be corrected during an appeal.
What Evidence Do I Need for a VA Claim?
- Medical records confirming your diagnosis
- Service records documenting asbestos exposure and discharge status
- A physician’s statement connecting your illness to military asbestos exposure
- Supporting documents from family members, friends, or even the people you served with
It is best to send this evidence along with your claim, as it can help process it faster.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment and help you and your family live a more comfortable life.